Monday, December 22, 2008

Thank You Lord & Taylor

I just wanted to thank the wonderful people at Lord & Taylor at Monmouth Mall for taking the time to get me ready for this year's Poinsettia Bash.

Kelli O'Connor, a sales manager in the dresses department, spent a good three hours picking out clothing for me and running back and forth to the dressing room while I tried everything on and got her opinion. She pulled possibilities from gorgeous sequined dresses to rock-and-roll-chic outfits for me to wear on stage. From boots to accessories, undergarments to jackets, Kelli has an eye for creating a great look.

I never thought to use a personal shopper to help me choose an outfit, but it made my shopping experience so much more enjoyable. She even grabbed an umbrella for me before I left in the downpour! I also want to thank Tracy, the store manager, for her input and help in putting my outfit together and making those final decisions as to what I was going to wear, plus checking in every once in a while to make sure I had everything I needed. I really felt welcomed.

Sharon Pasquariello at the Chanel counter did my makeup just like the girls on Lipstick Jungle have theirs done for the show. I felt very glamorous!

And finally, thanks so much to Lindsay McAndrew at the Nars makeup counter. She is incredibly knowledgeable about makeup AND hair, and took the time to style my hair exactly the way I wanted it for the Bash.You girls are awesome! And thanks to Tracy and Lord & Taylor for giving away so many great prizes, from necklaces to designer handbags to designer jeans to Uggs Boots, at our special listener event last Saturday morning, too!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Bobby Flay Comes To Monmouth Mall

After having famed chef Bobby Flay in our studios I finally had a chance to go to Bobby's Burger Palace, which is adjacent to Monmouth Mall (same parking lot) on rt. 35 in Eatontown.What a surprise!

Here's a restaurant that is actually different from anything else out there. First of all the decor is great fun, and I loved sitting at the serpentine-shaped bar. The people-watching is perfect from there!The menu is fabulous: amazing juicy, griddled burgers with toppings from all around the country (and you've gotta taste his 'crunchified' versions with potato chips on top!), griddled cheese sandwiches, salads, sweet potato fries and french fries, Bobby's special mouth-watering sauces and toppings, and the richest shakes you've ever tasted.

What's really cool about BBP is the way the food is served. There's a giant menu on the wall when you walk in, and you place your order with a cashier. You'll then be handed a number card to place on the table after you choose your seat, either at one of the bars or at one of the long, soda-fountain-esque tables. You'll have your whole order after only about ten minutes placed right in front of you by servers who do not work for tips.

If you decide that you'd like that shake or another one of their great bottled sodas, there's a quick re-order line. No need to wait on line or for a server to get to you (although they are very attentive to supplying extra napkins or anything else you might need.)

This is a fun joint for the whole family -- perfect for a quick and deliciously filling meal as you shop or before or after a movie....or just for a fun lunch or dinner with your friends or co-workers. I highly recommend it and will have to go back several times myself just to taste all of the different mouth-watering burgers on the menu!

Thanks, Bobby, for coming to Monmouth County!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Holiday Travel Tips

Holiday Travel Tips from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to help speed your way through airport security:

1. Don't gift-wrap carry-on items. Security officers are required to remove it. Wrapped gifts should be packed in your checked bags.

2. Don't bring remote-controlled toys as carry-on luggage. You can put them in checked bags.

3. Pies (and other food like gingerbread, cookies, etc.) are permitted as carry-on items.

4. Jams and jellies are considered gels and are therefore subject to the 3-1-1 rules if brought as carry-on items. They must be in containers no bigger than 3 ounces, and they must all fit in one 1-quart clear zip-top plastic bag. Otherwise, wrap them carefully to prevent breakage and put them in your checked bags.

5. Every airport with more than one security lane now has a designated 'family lane', but you don't need to be traveling with children to use it. These lanes are open to anyone who doesn't want to be rushed and just wants a few more minutes to remove shoes and coats or deal with other items. Travelers carrying medically necessary liquids of more than 3 ounces should also use the family lanes. And some good news for the future: Checkpoint X-ray machines are being upgraded with advanced technology that can distinguish between liquid explosives and beverages, so they're considering making changes some time next year on the ban on liquids over 3 ounces.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Staying Healthy Through Flu Season

Here are some tips to keep you healthy through cold and flu season, by boosting your immune system:

1. Exercise can help calm the mind and body, plus cardio and strengthening help boost the immune system. Just one bout of vigorous exercise can increase circulation, which means white blood cells are on the move to defend your body.

2. Antiseptic mouthwash, flossing, and brushing can improve not only your dental health but it may help fend off other illnesses. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease have been linked to more seriuous illnesses, including diabetes.

3. A natural antioxidant found in red apples, broccoli and green tea may give an immunity boost under stress.

4. Stop worrying about getting sick. Fear and worry decrease your immunity, so focus on how good you feel and skip thinking about the cold you don't have!

5. Up your vitamin intake. There's a worldwide vitamin D deficiency, and we seem to lack enough vitamin C, too. Get a little sun, drink some milk, and grab some citrus.

6. Mind over body. A positive attitude can increase levels of nitric oxide, which help to balance neurotransmitters, improve immunity, and increase circulation.

7. Meditating can produce significantly more flu-fighting antibodies.

AND THE TWO BEST WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY: Wash your hands and get enough sleep!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

TV's Hottest Hunks

#32 Lyle Waggoner at Major Steve Trevor

TV's HOTTEST HUNKS OF ALL TIME Here's the list:



50. Wentworth Miller

49. Alex O'Laughlin

48. Jack Wagner

47. David Boreanaz

46. John Corbett

45. Jon Hamm

44. Luke Perry

43. Paul Michael Glaser

42. Patrick Duffy

41. Mario Lopez

40. Chace Crawford

39. David Duchovny

38. David Hasselhoff

37. James denton

36. Michael Landon

35. Rob Lowe

34. Gary Dourdan

33. Jonathan Rhys Meyers

32. Lyle Waggoner

31. Jimmy Smits

30. Dean Cain

29. Jared Leto

28. Lee Majors

27. Eric Dane

26. Chris Noth

25. Blair Underwood

24. Eddie Cibrian

23. Johnny Depp

22. John Schneider

21. Harry Hamlin

20. Jason Lewis

19. Matthew Fox

18. Jensen Ackles

17. Benjamin Bratt

16. James Garner

15. Ashton Kutcher

14. Erik Estrada

13. Pierce Brosnan

12. Chad Michael Murray

11. Don Johnson

10. Tom Selleck

9. Michael Vartan

8. Mark Harmon

7. Taylor Kitsch

6. John Stamos

5. Tom Welling

4. Taye Diggs

3. Josh Holloway

2. George Clooney

1. Patrick Dempsey

Friday, December 5, 2008

O Tannenbaum

Tips for Keeping Your Real Christmas Tree Safe This Season:

1. Gift Wrapping. While many people are aware that the heat from Christmas tree lights can ignite dry trees, it's also important to remember that the heat can also set gift-wrapping paper on fire.

2. Check for breaks and frays. When unpacking holiday lights, check for breaks, frayed and damaged lights. Don't mess around trying to fix them. Just throw out all damaged strings of lights.

3. Wash the stand. Wash the tree stand with a capful of bleach and a cup of water before inserting the tree. Microorganisms can block the tree's ability to drink the water.

4. Make a fresh 1-inch cut. When you bring home a fresh Christmas tree, make a 1-inch cut at the base of the tree to open up pores clogged by sap, which will allow the tree to drink.

5. Water the tree daily. Most natural trees every day absorb between a quart and a gallon of water. If the tree is not regularly watered, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed.

6. Keep candles away from the tree.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Cycle For Survival

Memorial Sloan-Kettering is raising money for cancer research with their third annual Cycle For Survival coming up January 25th. Get your friends together at your local gym to spin on a bike and help a great cause. Online registration for indoor team cycling will benefit research on rare forms of cancer that lack the funding to support advances in treatment.

You can register to participate via a secure web site at cycleforsurvival.org These rare cancers include devastating forms like high-grade brain tumors and multiple forms of leukemia. Those wanting to participate in Cycle fo Survival can register satellite teams of any size. Non-cyclists can register as virtual participants to support the cause, or donate to a Cycle for Survival team or participant. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to support advanced research on these cancers. For more information, visit cycleforsurvival.org

Monday, December 1, 2008

Taking Better Holiday Photos

One of my favorite co-workers passed along these tips for taking better holiday photos:



Instead of indoor pictures where there's low light and the pictures turn out overly yellowish, take your photos in the morning or late afternoon outside where the light is most flattering.



To capture holiday lights, shoot in the evening before it gets dark.



Use continuous (or burst) mode to capture the kids opening gifts. That way, you won't miss the candid moments.



Talk to your kids while you photograph them to bring out their personalities.



Take family photos early on in the celebrations. Your guests will look their best and the kids won't be cranky.



And finally, don't spend too much time behind the camera. Take time to enjoy the holiday!